Richard Hughes has major work ahead as Liverpool contract situation explained

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And there was something refreshingly unusual about Ryan Gravenberch putting pen to paper on a new Liverpool deal.Having grown accustomed to lengthy high-profile contract sagas in recent years, here was an agreement reached without much pomp and circumstance - and, mercifully, very little conjecture.A six-year deal underlines Liverpool's continued faith in Gravenberch who, still aged only 23, remains some time away from his peak having already tucked a Premier League and League Cup under his belt.The desire from both the player and his representatives to extend an Anfield commitment that began with his move from Bayern Munich in the summer of 2023 demonstrates the Holland international believes he is in the right place to develop and succeed.FOLLOW OUR LIVERPOOL FC FACEBOOK PAGE! The centre-back is out of contract at the end of the season with Liverpool keen to broker a new deal.Negotiations, though, have seen minimal progress of late with fears rising the France international will walk away for nothing in the summer.Real Madrid took the unusual step of contacting Liverpool in November to say they weren't interested in a potential move for Konate.

The Scotland international, who scored and assisted in Friday's 3-1 FA Cup fifth-round win at Wolves, was close to a move to Tottenham Hotspur in January before talks between the clubs were ended.Negotiations remain ongoing between Liverpool and Robertson and his representatives, and a failure to reach an agreement would leave the Reds short of cover at left-back next season although Kostas Tsimikas, on a season-long loan at Roma, would still have a year remaining on his Anfield deal.With Gravenbech done, Liverpool will now also turn their attentions to the remainder of the central midfield.Curtis Jones is the most pressing as he approaches the final 12 months of his contract. Earlier this year his father Carlos had stated contact had been made with Liverpool over a new deal, although on Sunday he claimed to winwin: "There are no negotiations with Liverpool to renew the contract."A number of players are, similar to Jones, coming towards the final year of their current agreements, including Alisson Becker with Liverpool certain to trigger their option for a 12-month extension when the goalkeeper's present deal expires this summer.The majority - Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez - are very much in the veteran stages of their Liverpool careers with the desire to offer an extension not guaranteed.

Stefan Bajcetic, the injury-hit 21-year-old midfielder, is another out of contract in 2027, as is Kieran Morrison, who made his second senior outing on Friday.However, the most urgent deal regarding any youngster for Liverpool is that of 15-year-old Josh Abe, who had an outstanding impact at under-18 level until his season was ended last week with a knee problem.Those showings have seen the winger catch the eye of a number of clubs including Manchester City and Chelsea, and he was recently given a tour of Real Madrid's facilities having signed up with Tyler Alexander-Arnold's PLG Agency. Liverpool, though, are keen to hold on to Abe and have offered him a scholarship.One matter is certain, though.